Walking the Great Wall

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  Alison
  Written on April 27, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  The trip exceeded expectations. Our guide in Beijing was exemplary and shared with us so many aspects about his culture and history. The range of activities was far reaching and the ability to appreciate two cities (we did the Xian extension) together with the rural aspects of China was appreciated.

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  Anonymous
  Written on November 7, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was a trip of a lifetime! Trekking the Great Wall was an amazing experience, led by a brilliant guide. Would highly recommend it!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Actually walking on the Great Wall is an incredible experience. You trek on various sections, so every day is different. It's challenging - more so than I expected! - but the scenery is breathtaking and you get a real sense of the scale of the wall. I loved the 'Spiderman' sections, where you're literally clambering up on your hands and knees, which all adds to the experience. If you like trekking, this trip is a must!I also did the Xi'an extension to see the terracotta warriors which was well worth it. Xi'an itself is a fascinating city full of hustle and bustle, and cycling round the old city walls is a great way to see it, as well as wandering the streets taking in the sights, sounds and smells.What did you think of your group leader?Jerry was our guide for Beijing and the wall and he was brilliant! Really passionate and enthusiastic, and he loves a joke! He took great care of us and made the trip even more special. He organised everything down to the smallest detail so we really didn't have to think for ourselves. Would love to have him on every trip!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?You do need to be reasonably fit to do this trip and have a good head for heights, but if you like a challenge without pushing yourself to extremes, this will suit you. Be prepared for some very basic conditions (I took a sleeping bag so always had clean bedding, plus it did get very cold on some nights), and if you don't like Chinese food, then take plenty of snacks as you'll be eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner! (The food was excellent though!)Make sure you have a large memory card for your camera as you'll end up with hundreds of photos - every few steps the wall looks more breathtaking than where you've just come from, and you'll always be chasing that perfect picture!Is there anything else you would like to add?China has never been on my list of must-see places, but after this trip, I'm wishing I'd been sooner! It really is a fascinating country. All the people we met there were simply lovely and so hospitable. The food was great, Jerry was a star and I'll never forget the scenery from the wall and the sights and sounds of Beijing and Xi'an. If you're having any doubts about whether this trip is for you, take it from someone who wasn't fussed about going either and get it on your bucket list now!!
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 8, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  The China trip was organised to perfection, those employed to make the trip a success in China worked hard and always with individuals interest - a credit to your partners.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Walking along the natural sections of the great wall, including the more challenging sections that made me realise the conditions those who both guarded the country from insurgents and overcame the battles to move forward and the conditions they must have survived from. Not forgetting those who built the walls all those years ago. Add to this our visit to the Terracotta Army, I can only say it blew me away when I entered Pit 2. and all the interesting info structure.What did you think of your group leader?Kevin working from Beijing gave 100% and made the trip + additional activities work without a hitch, it was a sad time when Kevin put us on the overnight train to Xi'an.The following morning we were met by Dominic who soon took over our care and carried on the support we had grown to accept as normal. The drivers were professional under quite strenuous driving conditions you can only understand when being in the traffic in China.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for some tough conditions underfoot, and openly accept gracefully the conditions within the home stay especially the Wet Rooms that do live up to their name, but accept it as part of the overall experience.If you add on the Xi'an extension you will experience first class accommodation, enjoy it.Is there anything else you would like to add?Personally I can recommend Exodus if you have not used this company before, for me five under my belt, one already booked and one next November 2014 planned.  Go for it you will not be disappointed.
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 8, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Outstanding local rep with Kevin (Great Wall of China). Trip was just as described.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Being in less tourist type places.What did you think of your group leader?Kevin really made the trip. Great sense of humour, kept us safe, helped us bond as a group and organised a Birthday cake for my husband.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Bed's in China are incredibly hard, having experienced this before we took sleeping bags to have extra cushioning. Walking poles are a great help for this trip.
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 8, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  The China trip was organised to perfection, those employed to make the trip a success in China worked hard and always with individuals interest - a credit to your partners.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Walking along the natural sections of the great wall, including the more challenging sections that made me realise the conditions those who both guarded the country from insurgents and overcame the battles to move forward and the conditions they must have survived from. Not forgetting those who built the walls all those years ago. Add to this our visit to the Terracotta Army, I can only say it blew me away when I entered Pit 2. and all the interesting info structure.What did you think of your group leader?Kevin working from Beijing gave 100% and made the trip + additional activities work without a hitch, it was a sad time when Kevin put us on the overnight train to Xi'an.The following morning we were met by Dominic who soon took over our care and carried on the support we had grown to accept as normal. The drivers were professional under quite strenuous driving conditions you can only understand when being in the traffic in China.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for some tough conditions underfoot, and openly accept gracefully the conditions within the home stay especially the Wet Rooms that do live up to their name, but accept it as part of the overall experience.If you add on the Xi'an extension you will experience first class accommodation, enjoy it.Is there anything else you would like to add?Personally I can recommend Exodus if you have not used this company before, for me five under my belt, one already booked and one next November 2014 planned.  Go for it you will not be disappointed.
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on October 8, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Outstanding local rep with Kevin (Great Wall of China). Trip was just as described.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Being in less tourist type places.What did you think of your group leader?Kevin really made the trip. Great sense of humour, kept us safe, helped us bond as a group and organised a Birthday cake for my husband.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Bed's in China are incredibly hard, having experienced this before we took sleeping bags to have extra cushioning. Walking poles are a great help for this trip.
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 7, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  the trek exceeded my expectations and encourages me to book another trek.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The Great Wall was amazing and each stretch confirmed that the Wall is well worth the visit.What did you think of your group leader?Jerry Wu was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the trek, and Mr Han the driver was good and safe, and kept us supplied with water!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Do it and note that I am 71 and managed without problem so you can.Is there anything else you would like to add?I did not add the trip to Xi-an but this should be considers next time!
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 7, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  the trek exceeded my expectations and encourages me to book another trek.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The Great Wall was amazing and each stretch confirmed that the Wall is well worth the visit.What did you think of your group leader?Jerry Wu was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the trek, and Mr Han the driver was good and safe, and kept us supplied with water!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Do it and note that I am 71 and managed without problem so you can.Is there anything else you would like to add?I did not add the trip to Xi-an but this should be considers next time!
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  Anonymous
  Written on August 28, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An excellent trip, well organised, and a real experience! Each day brought a new challenge, and our Tour Leader Jerry was a fantastic leader - a real motivator on achey mornings! The food was the biggest culture shock, but if you aren't fussy it wont be a problem - try everything! Tips? Take Baby Wipes, buy a camel back, and stash some sweets! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Their are parts of the wall that are very busy, and our group did not enjoy these as much - however, as you hike further you become quite alone on the trail and you feel like you're the only ones for miles around. The views were sensational, and although the days were hot, it was worth it for the stunning views; we had blue skies and really green land which made the wall really prominant and even more impressive than I had imagined. It was, at times, a lot harder than I had envisaged but the view from the highest points and the satisfaction you got from reaching the top of "the stairway to heaven" was amazing! My favourite climb was what Jerry called the "Spiderman" wall, as we had to use hands to get us up - we all had so much fun climbing up, and the views were worth the effort!What did you think of your group leader?Our group Leader, Jerry, made my holiday. He was the perfect leader and provided us with excellent local knowledge, information about food and provisions, and a lot of laughs. He was a great motivator on achey mornings, and ensured that the group kept together without keeping us under each other's feet. He truly felt like a good friend  by the end of the holiday!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Make sure you take a nice big pack of baby wipes - they are great for wiping sweat, cleaning hands, and using in the toilet (very few toilets had toilet roll so take your own or baby wipes)Do not be fussy with food - try as many things as possible, and ensure you stock yourself up for the hikes; they give you big lunches etc for a reason! I'm not a lover of water, but you really do need to drink lots and lots to get you through the days - in hindsight I would have taken some squash or water flavour pouches to ensure that I drank more. On top of that - I was very jealous of those that had camel backs, because they didn't have to faff taking water out of their bags on steep parts, and it didn't get warm in an outside pocket; I will be investing in one for my next trip! Stock up on some supplies before you go - we were craving a little sugar hit, chocolate or coffee a few days in due to the food being a bit samey and a lack of desserts for our sweet tooths, and the exercise being so demanding. Stock up in beijing or bring some treats in your bag - a fruit pastel was the best thing ever after a steep up hill hike.When I changed up my sterling in to chinese currency I only got 100 notes - when you are in beijing ensure you change up around 300 into 10s - there isn't much change available, and you don't want to give the water sellers etc 100 notes! I spent just under £350, that includes a shopon the last day in the silk market.  Is there anything else you would like to add?The bus was an excellent size - much better than a small mini bus that I expected.The flight times are hard work though - arriving at 9am and doing an all day walking tour within 3 hours was hard work; a night's sleep would have made me enjoy the first day a lot more! But overall, a trip of a lifetme, that I would recommend to anyone!Book it! You'll love it!
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on August 28, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An excellent trip, well organised, and a real experience! Each day brought a new challenge, and our Tour Leader Jerry was a fantastic leader - a real motivator on achey mornings! The food was the biggest culture shock, but if you aren't fussy it wont be a problem - try everything! Tips? Take Baby Wipes, buy a camel back, and stash some sweets! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Their are parts of the wall that are very busy, and our group did not enjoy these as much - however, as you hike further you become quite alone on the trail and you feel like you're the only ones for miles around. The views were sensational, and although the days were hot, it was worth it for the stunning views; we had blue skies and really green land which made the wall really prominant and even more impressive than I had imagined. It was, at times, a lot harder than I had envisaged but the view from the highest points and the satisfaction you got from reaching the top of "the stairway to heaven" was amazing! My favourite climb was what Jerry called the "Spiderman" wall, as we had to use hands to get us up - we all had so much fun climbing up, and the views were worth the effort!What did you think of your group leader?Our group Leader, Jerry, made my holiday. He was the perfect leader and provided us with excellent local knowledge, information about food and provisions, and a lot of laughs. He was a great motivator on achey mornings, and ensured that the group kept together without keeping us under each other's feet. He truly felt like a good friend  by the end of the holiday!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Make sure you take a nice big pack of baby wipes - they are great for wiping sweat, cleaning hands, and using in the toilet (very few toilets had toilet roll so take your own or baby wipes)Do not be fussy with food - try as many things as possible, and ensure you stock yourself up for the hikes; they give you big lunches etc for a reason! I'm not a lover of water, but you really do need to drink lots and lots to get you through the days - in hindsight I would have taken some squash or water flavour pouches to ensure that I drank more. On top of that - I was very jealous of those that had camel backs, because they didn't have to faff taking water out of their bags on steep parts, and it didn't get warm in an outside pocket; I will be investing in one for my next trip! Stock up on some supplies before you go - we were craving a little sugar hit, chocolate or coffee a few days in due to the food being a bit samey and a lack of desserts for our sweet tooths, and the exercise being so demanding. Stock up in beijing or bring some treats in your bag - a fruit pastel was the best thing ever after a steep up hill hike.When I changed up my sterling in to chinese currency I only got 100 notes - when you are in beijing ensure you change up around 300 into 10s - there isn't much change available, and you don't want to give the water sellers etc 100 notes! I spent just under £350, that includes a shopon the last day in the silk market.  Is there anything else you would like to add?The bus was an excellent size - much better than a small mini bus that I expected.The flight times are hard work though - arriving at 9am and doing an all day walking tour within 3 hours was hard work; a night's sleep would have made me enjoy the first day a lot more! But overall, a trip of a lifetme, that I would recommend to anyone!Book it! You'll love it!